🔗 Share this article

What would you do with boundless ability? That's the fundamental question explored by all greatest sci-fi and fantastical narratives. What if you gained superhuman abilities? Perhaps discovered a miraculous drug? What about each and every single person was dedicated to your personal satisfaction? Would you use that power for good, or succumb to your darker impulses?

The shows featured herein each grapple with that very concept in unique ways (aside from one key exclusion). Outlined here is a list of the ten top seasons of sci-fi and fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after more than 60 years of stories, the web-slinger is constantly reimagined by new talent. This series delivers a novel perspective at the hero's formative years, skillfully combining classic source material elements with influences from other adaptations to craft something that feels both new and deeply compelling.

Rather than being alone or having Tony Stark as a guide, this iteration of the hero forges a evolving partnership with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter becomes his own man, learning the signature lesson of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical-comedy series, which originated as a fan-funded pilot, fully found its footing in its second season. Building on the game-changing events of the first season, the story expands significantly, following the ambitious TV demon Vox as he seizes control of the narrative, sparking a chain of ever-more explosive confrontations that naturally end in elaborate musical numbers.

While it might not have a one viral hit quite like the first season's "iconic tune," this is due to everything in this season being increasingly complex. The fight sequences, character arcs, and above all the music are collectively elevated. The story advances the overarching storyline forward while providing no shortage of bizarre, unhinged, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again had immense shoes to fill. Despite significant production issues, the final show demonstrates it was worthy of the wait. The story centers on Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him a target to foes from his history and new threats in a refreshed take of his well-known setting.

The first episode is explosive, capturing the intense tone audiences loved from the prior series. While the middle episodes venture into certain different narrative ground, the season concludes powerfully, setting fans keenly awaiting a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A unexpected 2025 highlight, this show is essentially an animated Breaking Bad filtered through a humor of a suburban satire. Helmed by Joe Bennett and comedy Steve Hely, it tells the saga of a nerdy fungi expert who discovers a curative fungus and soon finds himself pursued by everyone from unscrupulous Big Pharma CEOs to government agents.

Far from being a parody, the show plays out with the serious atmosphere of a 1970s conspiracy thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving score, the plot delves into bigger questions about the substance's full capabilities. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and completely gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit series of the iconic gaming series came back with a second season of stories that deepened its sprawling lore and expanded its post-apocalyptic setting. Although it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct retelling of that title; instead, it continues to explore ideas of control and autonomy.

It expertly balances several storylines and perspectives, from Lucy's quest for answers to Maximus's struggle with the ideology of the his faction. The outcome is a rich layered and wholly engaging chapter to the expanding Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and emotionally charged adult animation show keeps its powerful streak in its third outing. Mark Grayson confronts immense challenges on every side: training for a looming alien threat, mentoring his powered brother, and battling with his shadowy Global Defense Agency. The season also features some of the most brutally brutal fight sequences the series has ever produced.

Mark's physical and emotional endurance are constantly pushed. He must contend with opponents more powerful than himself, the aftermath of his actions, and the ethical burden of his decisions. Standout storylines for key characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat anti-hero show returned with increased importance within the new DC canon, and season 2 delivers on both fronts. Although it successfully establishes groundwork for future DCU stories, it primarily presents a resonant and focused {